Exercise Can Ward Off Depression

Using exercise or physical activity to manage depression has been recommended for years. Now, new research finds that moderate exercise can actually prevent episodes of depression in the long term.

A study found in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine describes a longitudinal review that focused exclusively on the role that exercise plays in maintaining good mental health and preventing the onset of depression later in life.

Ph.D. candidate George Mammen at the University of Toronto analyzed more than 26 years’ worth of research findings to discover that even low levels of physical activity (walking and gardening for 20-30 minutes a day) can ward off depression in people of all age groups.

Mammen’s findings come at a time when many mental health experts want to expand their approach beyond treating depression with costly prescription medication.

“We need a prevention strategy now more than ever,” he said. “Our health system is taxed. We need to shift focus and look for ways to fend off depression from the start.”

Mammen said that other factors influence a person’s likelihood of experiencing depression, including their genetic makeup.

But he said the scope of research he assessed demonstrates that regardless of individual predispositions, there’s a clear take-away for everyone.

“It’s definitely worth taking note that if you’re currently active, you should sustain it. If you’re not physically active, you should initiate the habit.

“This review shows promising evidence that the impact of being active goes far beyond the physical.”

Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 29 Oct 2013 Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.

About Rick Nauert PhD

Dr. Rick Nauert has over 25 years experience in clinical, administrative and academic healthcare. He is currently an associate professor for Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals doctoral program in health promotion and wellness. Dr. Nauert began his career as a clinical physical therapist and served as a regional manager for a publicly traded multidisciplinary rehabilitation agency for 12 years. He has masters degrees in health-fitness management and healthcare administration and a doctoral degree from The University of Texas at Austin focused on health care informatics, health administration, health education and health policy. His research efforts included the area of telehealth with a specialty in disease management.